Report: Cowboys cannot place franchise tag on Romo after ’13

The Dallas Cowboys will not be able to franchise Tony Romo in 2014 because the quarterback’s contract actually extends through 2015.

It’s an interesting report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that explains Romo’s deal, although it extends through 2015, voids provided he is on the team’s roster at the end of this season. That doesn’t become effective, though, until after the window to place the franchise tag on Romo expires.

So, absent a new deal for Romo, he will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Rapoport suggests this creates increased motivation for the team to get a deal done. Our view is that the Cowboys already have all the motivation they could possibly need. Romo’s cap number for this season is $16.8 million and with the team pressed literally up against the cap, an extension needs to be completed to give the franchise operating room for this coming season.

Owner Jerry Jones has been steadfast in his desire to get a deal done with Romo. So, it’s going to happen, it’s just a matter of when. The sooner it does, the more flexibility the club will have.

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